The law on the protection of telecom networks has come into force

04/ 06/ 2020

This week, the President of Ukraine signed Law No. 600-IX on strengthening the protection of telecommunications networks, which was approved by Parliament on May 13, 2020. Business welcomes this decision and thanks to both the President and Parliament for their prompt response to business appeals. During the lockdown, the long-standing problem of damage to telecommunications equipment became even more pressing. Following lockdown measures, most citizens work and communicate online with the use of telecommunications equipment to connect to the Internet. However, the number of damages to the telecommunication equipment also increased during this period. The theft of expensive copper cables is one of the main causes of damages. Moreover, while searching the copper, the thieves also destroy fiber-optic communication lines. From now on, the law increases criminal liability for damage and destruction of telecom equipment. Therefore, for violating the rules of protection or causing damage to networks, telecommunications equipment, or telecommunications facilities that are part of the network, the violator will be fined from 1700 to 3400 UAH, officials - 5100-6800 UAH. The law also amends the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Thus, a fine of 17,000 to 51,000 hryvnias or community service of up to 120 hours is envisaged for intentional damage to networks, and restriction of liberty from 1 to 3 years is also possible. In case of repeated violation, the fine will be from 51,000 to 170,000 UAH or the restriction of liberty for a period of 3 to 5 years. This decision is of great importance for the national security of the state and the smooth operation of business because many companies have already transferred all their processes online.

During the lockdown, the long-standing problem of damage to telecommunications equipment became even more pressing. Following lockdown measures, most citizens work and communicate online with the use of telecommunications equipment to connect to the Internet. However, the number of damages to the telecommunication equipment also increased during this period. The theft of expensive copper cables is one of the main causes of damages. Moreover, while searching the copper, the thieves also destroy fiber-optic communication lines.

From now on, the law increases criminal liability for damage and destruction of telecom equipment. Therefore, for violating the rules of protection or causing damage to networks, telecommunications equipment, or telecommunications facilities that are part of the network, the violator will be fined from 1700 to 3400 UAH, officials – 5100-6800 UAH.

The law also amends the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Thus, a fine of 17,000 to 51,000 hryvnias or community service of up to 120 hours is envisaged for intentional damage to networks, and restriction of liberty from 1 to 3 years is also possible. In case of repeated violation, the fine will be from 51,000 to 170,000 UAH or the restriction of liberty for a period of 3 to 5 years.

This decision is of great importance for the national security of the state and the smooth operation of business because many companies have already transferred all their processes online.